The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-12-13
The Three Rivals.
A Venezuelan Tragedy. Say

Henry Montero and Mary Rodriguez
were betrothed-that is, they had ex-
changed rings, which in Venezuela is
considered as binding to the faith and
roth of either party as the actual mar
riage.
The lady was of Il proud. wealthy
family-the lover had only his COM
mission in the army and large, gen.
erous heart to recommend him. Marie
loved her Henri spite of Dame Fort
une's frowns, and resolved to marry
him, even in opposition to the will OF
her august relatives and the imperous
commands of her stern father and
proud mother. Yes, even while the
devoted attentions of the renowned and
wealthy Juan Lepuerta, her cousin.
were the talk of all the country round,
and the congratulations of all her
friends upon her conquest of the old
bachelor, poured in from all sides.
The, stiff periwigged, perfumed gen.
tleman of fifty presumed o solicit the
love of girl of seventeen, and to i'm
agne that his broad acres fine build
ngs and big bank account were sufli-
Gent to captivate the heart of the
young girl. In this he was mistaken.
The thought that Marie deserted him
nflamed him with n setted determine
lion to possess her NJ all hazards. Still
gems, trinkets and the most costly
gifts were returned to him, with po-
lite message from the lady that she
was not fond of ornaments. and seldom
wrote them unless they were gifts of
some dear friend whose memory was
cherished.
She does not love gold, that is
clear" thought the sutton. "There
must then be some other motive for her
repulse. Marie is romantic. All girls
Of seventeen are romantic. A bower
Of roses and penniless hero for a
lover is all they desire. Yes, Marie is
in love, and with some one else. must
find out who is my rival"
His suspicion soon lighted on Henri,
whom he narrowly watched. Many
we're the plans made to draw the un-
,uspecting youth into snare and anger
him into n quarrel. but in vain. He
hated dueling, and would not be af-
frontcd.
There was also another suitor, who,
Of course, hated the other claimants,
especially Henri, whose youth and man.
" beauty we're so much in his favor
He was an ex-Englsh colonel
Halstead, by name-and was a man of
fiery vindictive disposition. and stopped
at nothing to attain his object.
The young lady's father was indiffer-
emit who she chose, provided the ac-
copied husband added gold to his cof-
ters. and each was allowed opportunity
10 prosecute his suit.
But the gentle Marie still remained
faithful to her Henri, though he gave
her no diamonds, nor promised splen-
did castles and numerous attendants to
do homage to her beauty. He was
about to Join his regiment, and the
fond couple met to take a last, perhaps,
eternal farewell. He was. as usual,
full of hope and bright anticipations,
she rather sad and Responding; for was
he not going far away and leaving her
to the solicitations of her other suitorsP
They parted with tears and smiles. and
be pursued his lonely. route TO the
village.
As he passed through dark cluster
Of woods, Col. Halstead suddenly con-
fornted him.
Draw. hound" he exclaimed,
"draw aud defend yourself. i wit
messed that last interview. and either
you or I must leave our blood on the
sward"
Henri stood unmoved.
II will not stain my sword in such
an unworthy quarrel" said he. "Give
place, sir. II the object of our mutual
regard has decided in my favor, IT is
not my fault. neither does it lessen
your merits, which would, no doubt,
be appreciated by hundreds of fair
damsels as amiable as Senorita Rodri-
guez."
Hcnri said this without the least in
tention of insulting his rival, but the
latter misconstrued his words. His
face became livid with rage.
Peasant dogr' he shouted. dashing
his glove in Henri's face. causing the
blood to gush from his nostril. Cow
ardi APPEL slandererl will you take
your station. and decide this matter by
fair fightP II you do not l will blow
your btails outr'
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